Antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections: A cross-sectional analysis of the ReCEnT study exploring the habits of early-career doctors in primary care

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is among the most important current public health issues. Most antibiotics are prescribed in primary care. There is strong consensus that they are overprescribed, especially for conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and acute bronchitis, where they provide limited benefit. Interventions to alter prescribing patterns have shown limited effect. Trainees in family practice may be an appropriate target, as their prescribing habits are still developing. Objective: To establish prevalence and associations of trainee prescribing of antibiotics for URTI and acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of the Registrar Cl..